LINC01140 Targeting miR-452-5p/RGS2 Pathway to Attenuate Breast Cancer Tumorigenesis

LINC01140 has been known to be involved in various cancers. However, its underlying molecular mechanism in breast cancer (BC) needs further exploration.

The LINC01140, miR-452-5p, and RGS2 levels in BC cells and tissues were evaluated by means of RT-qPCR and western blotting. The variations in the biological functions of BC cells were analyzed through CCK-8, transwell, western blotting, and xenograft experiments to observe cell viability, migration, levels of apoptosis-related proteins (Bax and Bcl-2), and tumor growth. The correlations existing among LINC01140, miR-452-5p, and RGS2 were validated through luciferase reporter and RIP assays.

LINC01140 and RGS2 were remarkably downregulated in BC cells and tissues, whereas miR-452-5p was upregulated. LINC01140 overexpression diminished BC cell viability, migration, and tumor growth and facilitated apoptosis. MiR-452-5p upregulation enhanced cell viability and migration and suppressed apoptosis. Nevertheless, the additional upregulation of LINC01140 could reverse the promotive effects of miR-452-5p upregulation. Additionally, RGS2 overexpression inhibited the malignant phenotypes of BC cells, but miR-452-5p upregulation abolished this effect. In terms of mechanisms, LINC01140 acted as a miR-452-5p sponge. Moreover, RGS2 was determined to be miR-452-5p's downstream target gene in BC.

LINC01140 functioned as an antitumor agent in BC by sponging miR-452-5p to release RGS2. This hints that LINC01140 is a promising therapeutic target for BC.